Boot with improved tightening of upper

ABSTRACT

A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions which carries the initial connection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French PatentApplication No. 07 07410, filed on Oct. 23, 2007, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an article of footwear, i.e., a boot, and,particularly, a sports boot, and more particularly to a boot adapted forskiing, walking, or any of a plurality of other activities, includingsports activities.

Such boots can be used in fields such as cross-country skiing ortelemark skiing, walking or running on flat terrain or in mountainousareas, mountaineering, snowboarding, snowshoeing, roller skating,skateboarding, cycling, ball-playing sports, and the like.

2. Description of Background and Other Information

A boot can have a low upper or a high upper. A boot can also berelatively flexible or more rigid. In any case, however, the user's footshould be adequately supported. Indeed, good foot support in the upperresults in a more efficient use.

For example, adequate support in a flexible boot, such as boots used incross country skiing, facilitates the transmission of sensoryinformation or the rolling movement of the foot. A device for tighteningthe upper is adapted to support the user's foot, especially in the areaof the instep.

Conventionally, a tightening device includes a linkage, such as a lace,on the one hand, and connections for the linkage/lace to the upper.These connections are defined as keepers that are associated withlateral and medial portions or quarters of the upper. The lace follows apath along which it runs alternatively from one quarter to the other.Thus, it suffices to pull on the lace to bring the quarters closertogether and to tighten the upper. Then, blocking the lace keeps theupper tightened.

One objective that a good tightening device must achieve is holding thefoot in its entirety inside the boot. In other words, ill-timedmovements of the foot within the boot, especially in the area of theheel, should be avoided.

Indeed, when the foot moves in the upper, in the area of the heel orelsewhere, the sensory information or steering forces (if the boot isused in connection with a ski or snowboard, e.g.) are transmitted lessprecisely. Consequently, one's performance, especially in sports, isadversely affected.

Moreover, repeated foot movements in the upper can translate intofriction that causes injuries to the foot.

To improve foot support in the upper, known tightening devices have beenintended to increase the tightening efficiency. For this reasonparticularly, laces slide minimally in the keepers, thereby facilitatingthe tensioning of the boot. As a consequence, the foot is more tightlyheld in the area of the instep and/or in the area of the metatarsus.This means that the foot is biased toward the sole with greater force.

However, known boots have been found to provide incomplete foot support.Unwanted foot movements are often observed in the area of the heel.

In addition, putting on or removing such boots is not always easy.

In other words, the comfort of a boot, and the ability to adequatelysupport a boot, particularly during use in various sports environments,remains important and desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the invention provides for a more comfortableboot, whether considered in a static mode or in a dynamic mode. Indeed,it is desirable for the user, whether at rest or in motion, to havepleasant sensations, such as those generated when cross-country skiing,walking, or while engaged in other activities.

In addition, the invention improves foot support in the boot or, inother words, the invention reduces, or even eliminates ill-timed footdisplacements in the boot.

Further, the invention improves putting on and removing the boot, in thesense that it is desirable to facilitate the passage of the foot into orout of the upper.

To this end, the invention provides a boot including a sole and anupper, the boot extending lengthwise from a heel to a front end, andheight-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an openingfor foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion,as well as a tightening device provided to reversibly reduce the size ofthe opening, the tightening device including a first linkage, a secondlinkage, as well as connections for the linkages to the upper.

The boot according to the invention includes a first linkage runningfrom one portion to the other, in the area of the instep, and the secondlinkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one ofthe portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connectionlocated on the other portion, then extends along the upper by goingaround the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive ata fixed end connection located on that portion of the upper that carriesthe initial connection.

Each of the linkages is tensioned, and is reversibly kept tensioned byany known means. For example, the first and second linkages can includelace strands provided to be tied together. In this case, each linkage istightened by manual traction thereon. A knot then keeps the linkages intension. Tightening can be equal or differentiated between the linkages.This is why the tightening device according to the invention makes itpossible to tighten the instep zone, on the one hand, and the heel zone,on the other hand, with the desired intensity.

The tightening device enables a specific distribution of the tighteningon the upper and, therefore, on the user's foot, because it tightens twozones of the boot, namely that of the instep and that of the heel.

The tightening device also enables a better tightening and, therefore, abetter support, in the area of the heel.

An advantage resulting from the above is good foot support. Indeed,movement of the foot within the boot is either eliminated or renderedinsignificant. As a result, the transmission of sensory information andsteering forces is improved.

Another advantage associated with the tightening device is theconsequence of the tightening action. Indeed, a dual phenomenon isobserved when the linkages are loosened. The lateral and medial portionsof the upper move apart in the area of the instep, and the top portionof the upper, plumb with the heel, can bend, or flex, rearward in thearea of the opening.

This means that the opening expands further when the two linkages areloosened, compared to known boots of the prior art.

As resulting advantage, it is much easier to put on and remove the boot,because there is increased space for passage of the foot.

Generally speaking, the boot according to the invention offers greatercomfort, whether in static mode or in dynamic mode, i.e., whether thewearer is in motion or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be betterunderstood from the description that follows, with reference to theannexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting examples, how theinvention can be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a boot according to a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view, similar to FIG. 1, showing a device for tightening theboot upper;

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view, in the context of FIG. 2,showing the path followed by the linkages of the tightening device;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the boot as schematically shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the boot of FIG. 3, in the case inwhich the tightening device is not tightening the upper;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 5, in the case in the whichthe tightening device is tightening the upper;

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a boot according to a secondembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment described hereinafter relates more particularly toboots intended for the practice of cross-country skiing or telemarkskiing. However, the invention applies to other fields, such as thosementioned above.

A first embodiment is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to6.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cross-country ski boot is provided to receive theuser's foot.

As known, the boot 1 includes an upper 3 and an exterior sole 2, i.e., awalking sole. The boot 1 extends lengthwise from a rear end 4, or heel,to a front end 5, or tip, and width-wise between a lateral side 6 and amedial side 7.

As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10, provided to surroundthe foot, as well as a top portion 11, provided to surround the ankle.However, an upper could be envisioned to have only a lower portion,i.e., the boot thereby having a low upper.

According to the first embodiment being described, the boot 1 extendsheight-wise from the bottom surface of the sole 2 to an upper end 12,i.e., up to the free end of the top portion 11 of the upper 3.

The boot 1 is structured so as to enable proper bending of the leg,i.e., to enable a good rolling movement of the foot, as well as thetransmission of sensory information and steering forces. Thus, the upper3 is relatively flexible. The sole can be relatively rigid, for example,for performing skating steps, as in cross-country skiing, or it can bemuch more flexible, for example for performing alternative steps.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the boot 1 includes a lateral portion15 and a medial portion 16. The portions 15, 16 include quarters thatare adapted to cover the foot.

The portions 15, 16 are affixed to the sole by means of any of a numberof known techniques, such as an adhesive, stitching, or an equivalenttechnique. The portions 15, 16 are arranged such that the boot 1 has anopening 17 for inserting the foot. The opening 17 extends from the upperend 12 toward the front end 5, to a front region, such as that shown inthe drawing. On the side of the upper end 12, the opening 17 has anupper subdivision 18 adapted to allow the foot to pass through, and alsoto surround the ankle after the boot has been fully inserted within theboot. The opening 17 has a lower subdivision 19 that enables the size ofthe opening and the size of the fitting volume to vary in the area ofthe instep, between the upper end 12 and the front end 5. The upper 18and lower 19 subdivisions of the opening 17 are continuous with oneanother, i.e., the upper and lower subdivisions communicate with eachother to create a single foot insertion/removal opening 17.

The upper 3 additionally includes a tongue 20, which is arranged betweenthe lateral 15 and medial 16 portions of the upper, in the area of thelower subdivision 19 of the opening 17, in order to provide the upper 3with continuity between the lateral and medial portions. However, in aparticular alternative embodiment, the tongue could be omitted, in whichcase, the portions 15, 16 can remain separate, perhaps in abutment whenclosed, or superimposed, such as overlapping. Alternatively, the lateraland medial portions of the upper could be transversely connected via agusset.

In addition, and as an optional feature, the boot 1 includes a flap 25provided to reversibly cover all or part of the lower subdivision 19 ofthe opening 17. The flap 25 extends from one portion 15, 16 to the otherto improve the imperviousness of the boot.

According to the first embodiment, the flap 25 is fixedly connected tothe medial portion 16. A reversible closure 26 makes it possible also toaffix the flap 25 to the lateral portion 15. For example, the reversibleclosure 26 includes a slide fastener, such as a zipper. However, anyother structure known in the art for such purpose could be provided toobtain the closure. For example, a series of snap fasteners could beused.

The boot 1 further includes a tightening device 30, provided to reducethe size of the opening reversibly. In other words, the tighteningdevice 30 makes it possible to tighten the upper 3 reversibly, i.e.,selectively tighten or loosen the upper.

As can be understood particularly with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, thetightening device 30 includes first and second linkages 31, 32, orlaces, as well as connections 33 to 42, connecting the linkages to theupper 3. Such connections, as described further below, can be eitherconnections by which the linkage is fixed relative thereto (referred toas a fixed connection) or by which the linkage can slide relativethereto as the wearer tightens or loosens the linkage (referred to as asliding connection).

According to the invention, the first linkage 31 runs from one portion15, 16 of the upper to the other in the area of the instep, i.e., in thearea of the lower subdivision 19 of the opening 17, and the secondlinkage 32 passes through an initial sliding connection 37 located onone of the portions 15, 16 of the upper, then through a firstintermediate sliding connection 41 located on the other portion of theupper, and then extends along the upper 3 by going around the heel 4,between the sole 2 and the upper end 12 of the boot, to arrive at afixed end connection 42 located on that portion of the portions 15, 16that carries the initial connection 37.

This structure makes it possible to apply a reversible tightening of theupper 3, toward the instep, in the area of the subdivision 19 of theopening 17, on the one hand, and around the heel or the ankle, i.e.,toward the rear end or heel 4, on the other hand. In other words, it ispossible to adjust the tightening on the user's foot selectively. Thismakes it possible, for example, to take into account the morphology ofthe wearer or the need for support or the desired comfort.

More precisely, with particular reference to FIG. 3, the tighteningdevice 30 includes a series of lateral connections 33 to 36. This seriesitself successively includes a first connection 33, a second connection34, a third connection 35, and a fourth connection 36. The particularnumber of connection in the illustrated embodiment is non-limiting.Although there are four connections in this case, it could be otherwise,as a series can have more or less than four connections.

The lateral connections 33 to 36 are arranged on the lateral portion 15of the upper of the boot 1. More specifically, the lateral portion 15has a lateral edge 50, which demarcates the opening 17 in the area ofthe lateral side 6. The lateral connections 33 to 36 are affixed to theupper 3 in the area of the edge 50. The first connection 33 is locatedin the vicinity of the upper end 12 of the boot, near the intersectionof the subdivisions 18, 19 of the opening 17. The other lateralconnections here, namely, the second 34, third 35, and fourth 36connections, extend successively toward the front end 5 and away fromthe upper end 12 of the boot.

All of the lateral connections 33 to 36 are sliding connections. Assuch, as will be further described below, each lateral connection 33 to36 includes a closed keeper. It is shown that such a keeper enables alinkage 31, 32 to slide through, while maintaining the latter in thearea of the connection. One or several of the connections couldalternatively be provided to include an open keeper or a hook. Thelatter also enables the linkage to slide, while also allowing thelinkage to be separated from upper temporarily from such connections.

Similarly, the tightening device 30 includes a series of medialconnections 37 to 40. This series itself successively includes a firstconnection 37, a second connection 38, a third connection 39, and afourth medial connection 40. Once again, the number of connection in theillustrated embodiment is not limiting to the invention. There are fourconnections according to the embodiment shown, but this number couldmore or less than four.

The medial connections 37 to 40 are arranged on the medial portion 16 ofthe boot 1. More specifically, the medial portion 16 has a medial edge51, which demarcates the opening 17 in the area of the medial side 7 ofthe upper. The medial connections 37 to 40 are affixed to the upper 3,in the area of the edge 51. The first connection 37 is located in thevicinity of the upper end 12 of the upper 3, i.e., near the intersectionof the subdivisions 18, 19 of the opening 17. The other medialconnections, in this case the second 38, third 39, and fourth 40connections, extend successively toward the front end 5 and away fromthe upper end 12 of the boot.

The first 37, second 38, and third 39 medial connections are slidingconnections, whereas the fourth connection 40 is fixed. Once again, thesliding connections 37 to 39 include a closed keeper, although an openkeeper can be used. With respect to the fixed connection 40, as furtherdescribed below, the connection 40 permanently affixes the linkage 31 tothe upper 3. According to the first embodiment, the connection 40 fixesthe linkage 31 to the upper 3 by means of stitching. However, adhesive,crimping, knotting, or any equivalent expedient could alternatively beprovided. The fixed connection 40 is arranged below the lacing zone, orat the end of the lacing zone, and toward the front end 5.

Although the tightening device 30 is mainly located along the edges 50,51 of the lower subdivision 19 of the opening 17, the tightening device30 further includes a first intermediate connection 41, the function ofwhich is described hereinafter. This connection 41 is located on thelateral portion 15, according to the first embodiment. Morespecifically, the intermediate connection 41 is located, height-wise,between the sole 2 and the opening 17, i.e., between the sole 2 and thelateral edge 50. The intermediate connection 41 is therefore fartherfrom the lateral edge 50 than the lateral connections 33 to 36. Thisalso means that the intermediate connection 41 is closer to the sole 2than the lateral connections 33 to 36. Length-wise, the intermediateconnection 41 is arranged between the upper end 12 and the front end 5of the boot. According to the first embodiment of the invention, theintermediate connection 41 is longitudinally located between the firstconnection 33 and the fourth connection 36, for example, in the area ofthe third connection 35, or between the third connection 35 and thefourth connection 36, i.e., in the front end region of the lacing zone.

The intermediate connection 41 is a sliding connection, in the sensethat it enables the linkage 32, or lace, to slide. According to a firstembodiment, the intermediate connection 41 includes a keeper, which isclosed, but could alternatively be open.

The tightening device 30 finally includes an end connection 42, which isa fixed connection. The function of this connection 42 is furtherdescribed hereinafter. This end connection 42 is located on the medialportion 16 according to the first embodiment. In fact, the intermediateconnection 41 and the end 42 connection are located on two oppositeportions 15, 16, respectively, of the upper, one of which is lateral andthe other medial.

Height-wise, the end connection 42 is located between the sole 2 and theopening 17, i.e., between the sole and the upper end 12. As shown moreclearly in FIG. 4, the end connection 42 is height-wise farther from thesole 2 than the intermediate connection 41, but not as far from the soleas the first medial connection 37. It can also be said that the endconnection 42 is positioned substantially at the intersection betweenthe lower portion 10 and the top portion 11 of the upper 3.

Length-wise, the end connection 42 is at the front of the heel 4, or inthe front region of the heel, but rearward of the lateral connections 33to 36 and the medial connections 37 to 40. In fact, the end connection42 is plumb with the upper subdivision 18 of the opening 17, i.e.,vertically below the upper end of the opening 17. However, theconnection 42 could alternatively be provided to be further forward, forexample plumb with the first medial connection 37, or even fartherforward.

Now that the arrangement of the connections 33 to 42 has been explained,the paths of the linkages 31, 32, as well as their actions, will bedescribed.

With reference particularly to FIGS. 2 to 4, the first linkage 31includes a lace strand 55 that is made using any known technique, andfrom any appropriate material. For example, the lace 55 can compriseinterweaved synthetic and/or natural fibers.

The first linkage 31 extends between a free end 56, provided to bereversibly biased in traction or in tension, and a fastening end 57. Thefirst linkage 31, or lace 55, is provided to tighten the top of theupper 3. To this end, the first linkage 31 runs from one portion 15, 16of the upper to the other. According to the first embodiment, and in anon-limiting manner, the first linkage 31 or lace strand 55 successivelyextends through the first lateral connection 33, the second medialconnection 38, the third lateral connection 35, the third medialconnection 39, the fourth lateral connection 36, and then arrives at thefourth medial connection 40. Because the fourth medial connection 40 isfixed, as shown, the first linkage 31 is attached thereto via itsfastening end 57. At the front of the lacing zone, the linkage 31 slidesin all of the other connections 33, 35, 36, 38, and 39. Thus, by pullingon its free end 56 by hand, for example, the first linkage 31 istensioned up to its fastening end 57. Consequently, the lateral 15 andmedial 16 portions of the upper are biased toward one another, at leastin the area of their respective edges 50, 51. This means that thetension of the first linkage 31 tightens the upper 3 around the foot, inthe area of the instep, along the series of lateral connections 33 to 36and medial connections 37 to 40. Loosening of the tension exerted on thefirst linkage 31 causes the upper 3 to become loosened.

The second linkage 32 includes, for example, a lace strand 60 that isextended by a strap 61. Here again, the lace 60 can comprise interweavedsynthetic and/or natural fibers. The strap 61 can be formed, forexample, from a band that includes fibers, or a flexible syntheticmaterial.

The second linkage 32 extends from a free end 62, provided to bereversibly biased in traction or in tension, up to a fastening end 63.The second linkage 32 is provided to tighten the rear of the upper 3, inthe area of the heel 4. To this end, the second linkage 32 runs from anupper portion 15, 16 to the same portion by extending around the heel 4.It can also be said that the second linkage 32 extends around the upper3, beneath the upper subdivision 18 of the opening 17 for inserting thefoot. According to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner,the second linkage 32 successively extends through the first medialconnection 37, the second lateral connection 34, the first intermediateconnection 41, and then arrives at the end connection 42. Because theend connection 42 is fixed, the second linkage 32 is attached theretovia its fastening end 63. The linkage 32 slides in all of the otherconnections 34, 37, and 41. The first medial connection 37 is theinitial connection for the travel of the second linkage 32. Thus, bypulling on its free end 62 by hand, for example, the second linkage 32is tensioned up to its fastening end 63. Consequently, the heel 4 istightened between the sole 2 and the upper subdivision 18 of the opening17. This means that the tension of the second linkage tightens the upper3 around the foot, in the area of the heel. The tightening of the secondlinkage 32 biases the foot toward the front of the boot. Indeed, thefirst intermediate linkage 41 is a return, in the sense that, due to itslocation on the upper, it directs the tension exerted on the linkage 32toward the front. The tightening of the second linkage 32 also biasesthe heel toward the sole 2. Indeed, the end connection 42 is fartherfrom the sole 2, height-wise, than the first intermediate connection orreturn 41. Thus, in a path between the heel 4 and the intermediateconnection 41, the second linkage 32 is inclined. In fact, the secondlinkage 32 descends toward the sole 2, from the heel 4 to the return 41.As a result, the second linkage 32 biases the heel 4 of the boot, andthereby the user's heel, toward the front end 5 as well as toward thesole 2. This enables good support of the heel in the boot. Consequently,steering forces and sensory information are transmitted with moreaccuracy.

In addition, certain technical details specific to the first embodimentare described below.

For example, the lace strand 60 is connected to the strap 61 in the areaof a junction 64, which is done by any known technique. Stitching issuitable; however, adhesive, knotting, or any equivalent technique canbe used. The junction 64 is located between the first intermediateconnection 41 and the end connection 42. However, the junction 64 is inthe vicinity of the first intermediate connection 41. As a result, thestrap 61 extends around the entire heel 4, providing a tightening forcethat is distributed better on the upper 3. The tightening is betterdistributed especially as the strap 61 is wide with respect to a lace.

The end connection 42 is also obtained by means of any known technique.Although the second linkage 32, more specially the strap 61 in thiscase, is sewn to the upper 3 to make the end connection 42, one couldalternatively or additionally use other techniques, such as adhesive,welding, knotting, or any equivalent.

With respect to the path of the second linkage 32, according to theillustrated embodiment, the linkage 32 passes via the second lateralconnection 34. This passage is an additional guide for the travel of thesecond linkage 32, i.e., the travel of the lace strand 60 in this case.However, this guide 34 is not mandatory. In fact, the lateral connection34, i.e., the guide, positions the second linkage 32 with respect to thefirst 31, in the area of the foot insertion opening 17, so as to keepeach of the linkages functioning easily. Indeed, one is prevented fromhindering the other, for example by friction.

Further, because the boot is adapted selectively to be affixed orremoved from a sports apparatus (such as a ski, for example), the boot 1includes a mechanism for fastening thereto, such as a binding. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the boot 1 includes a first transverse pin71 and a second transverse pin 72, arranged in the area of sole 2 towardthe front end 5 for connection to such mechanism or binding.

Alternatively, only one of the pins 71, 72, or other fastening member,can be provided for connection to the mechanism/binding.

Further still, the boot 1 is shown to include a device 73 for blockingthe linkages 31, 32. The device 73 is well-known to one of ordinaryskill in the art, and is therefore not described here in detail. Thedevice 73 reversibly retains the first 31 and second 32 linkages to oneanother, in the area of their respective free ends 56, 62. The blockingdevice is not mandatory. Alternatively, keepers with reversible blockingor a mere knotting of the free ends 56, 62 could be used to maintain thetension or the tightening of the linkages 31, 32.

Consequently, and as can be understood with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,the upper 3 can be sometimes tightened and sometimes loosened.

In FIG. 5, the linkages 31, 32 are slack, i.e., not tensioned.Consequently, the edges 50, 51 of the opening are spaced apart; and thesecond linkage 32 extends around the heel 4 without tightening it. Thus,the upper 3. Is loose. Therefore, it is possible to put on or remove theboot by passing the foot through the opening 17. Compared with knownboots, this operation is further facilitated due to the fact that thetop portion 11 of the upper is flexible, and that the second linkage 32is slack. As a result, the top portion 11 temporarily deforms or flexestoward the rear, plumb with the heel, in order to further expand thefoot insertion opening 17 when the foot passes through.

Conversely, in FIG. 6, the linkages 31, 32 are tensioned, as indicatedby the arrows F1, F2 with respect to the tensioning of the linkages 31,32. In this case, the edges 50, 51 are closer to one another; the secondlinkage 32 extends around the heel 4 and tightens it. Thus, the upper istightened. The tightening is adjusted by the user for the instep, on theone hand, and for the heel, on the other hand, in order to provide anadapted foot support, as explained above.

A second embodiment of the invention is now described with reference toFIG. 7. For reasons of convenience, the elements shared with the firstembodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment comprises a boot 1 with a tightening device 30.The tightening device includes a first linkage 31, a second linkage 32,lateral connections 33 to 36, medial connections 37 to 40, a firstintermediate connection 41, and an end connection 42, not shown in FIG.7 but corresponding to that of the first embodiment.

The boot 1 according to the second embodiment is not provided with aflap, a blocking device, or connection(s) for fastening the boot to abinding. This boot is adapted, for example, for walking, or foroperating a snowshoe.

For example, the boot 1 includes an additional connection or guide 80for the second linkage 32. This guide is located on the upper 3, on thelateral side 6, plumb with the upper subdivision 18 of the opening 17.The guide 80 maintains the linkage 32 on its nominal trajectory.

The invention is embodied from materials and according to implementationtechniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustratedand described hereinabove, and encompasses all of the technicalequivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, in any case, the structure of a tightening device can beinverted, in the sense that the specific characteristics associated witha medial side can be applied to a lateral side, and vice versa.

The number of various connections, guides, or passages for the linkages31, 32, can be increased or decreased.

1. A boot comprising: an external sole; an upper; a length extendingfrom a rear of a heel to a front end, and a height extending from alower part of the sole to an upper end of the upper; the uppercomprising: an opening for foot insertion; a lateral portion; a medialportion; a tightening including a first linkage, a second linkage, andconnections for securing the linkages to the upper; the first linkagerunning from an instep area of one of the lateral and medial portions toanother of the lateral and medial portions; the second linkage passingthrough an initial sliding connection located on one the lateral andmedial portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connectionlocated on another of the lateral and medial portions, then extendingalong the upper by extending around the heel, height-wise between theexternal sole and the upper end of the upper, and to a fixed endconnection located on the one of the lateral and medial portions whichcarries the initial sliding connection.
 2. A boot according to claim 1,wherein: the tightening device includes a series of lateral connections,a series of medial connections, a first intermediate connection locatedon the lateral portion of the upper, and an end connection located onthe medial portion of the upper.
 3. A boot according to claim 2,wherein: the lateral portion of the upper has a lateral edge, whichdemarcates the opening of the upper in an area of a lateral side; thelateral connections are affixed to the upper in the area of the lateraledge; the medial portion of the upper has a medial edge demarcating theopening of the upper in an area of a medial side; the medial connectionsare affixed to the upper in the area of the medial edge; the firstintermediate connection is located height-wise between the lateral soleand the opening; the end connection is located between the external soleand the opening.
 4. A boot according to claim 3, wherein: a first of thelateral connections is located in a vicinity of the upper end of theboot; a remainder of the lateral connections successively extend in adirection toward the front end; a first of the medial connections islocated in a vicinity of the upper end of the boot; a remainder of themedial connections successively extend in a direction toward the frontend; length-wise, the first intermediate connection is arranged betweenthe upper end and the front end; and length-wise, the end connection isat a front of the heel.
 5. A boot according to claim 3, wherein:height-wise, the first intermediate connection is located between thesole and the lateral edge; and height-wise, the end connection isfarther from the sole than the intermediate connection, but not as farfrom the sole as the first medial connection.
 6. A boot according toclaim 2, wherein: the series of lateral connections successivelyincludes a first connection, a second connection, a third connection,and a fourth connection, the lateral connections being slidingconnections; the series of medial connections successively includes afirst connection, a second connection, a third connection, and a fourthconnection, the first, second, and third medial connections beingsliding connections, the fourth connection being fixed.
 7. A bootaccording to claim 6, wherein: the first linkage successively extendsthrough the first lateral connection, the second medial connection, thethird lateral connection, the third medial connection, and the fourthlateral connection, and then arriving at the fourth medial connection;the second linkage successively extends through the first medial orinitial connection, the second lateral connection, and then the firstintermediate connection, and then arriving at the end connection.
 8. Aboot according to claim 1, wherein: the initial sliding connection andthe end connection are arranged on the medial portion of the boot.
 9. Aboot according to claims 6, wherein: the fixed fourth connection isarranged below the lacing zone and on a side of the front end.
 10. Aboot according to claim 1, wherein: the first linkage includes a lacestrand; the second linkage includes a lace strand extended by a strap.11. A boot according to claim 1, further comprising: a mechanism forfastening the boot to a sports apparatus.
 12. A boot according to claim1, further comprising: a flap for covering a lower portion of theopening.
 13. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the opening isstructured and arranged to expand farther when the linkages are loose,compared to prior art boots.
 14. A boot according to claim 1, wherein:the upper comprises a top portion extending above a wearer's ankle, anda bottom portion; at least the upper comprises a flexible material; thefirst and second linkages are adapted to be selectively moved to atightened state and a slackened state; at least flexibility of theflexible material of the top portion of the upper, coupled with thesecond linkage being in the slackened state, comprise means forexpanding the opening for foot insertion, whereby the flexible materialof the top portion of the upper flexes rearwardly during said slackenedstate of the second linkage.